Black Lotus

Black Lotus is an indica-dominant hybrid created by inventive breeders Bodhi Seeds. This strain is a cross between the UW Black Hashplant (an offshoot of the University of Washington’s UW) and Bodhi’s own Snow Lotus. If offers users a dynamic, long-lasting high and a dank, old-school flavor profile. Black Lotus’ THC content ranges from 19% to 25%.

Black Lotus is marked by medium to large buds that adhere in chunky, irregular shapes. These flowers have a distinctly indica structure, with wide leaves that twist in on themselves to form a very dense core. The actual leaves are a mossy, yellowish-green and are interspersed with bright orange hairs — which are actually reproductive botanical structures called pistils. Finally, Black Lotus has inherited a snowy coating of trichomes from parent strain Snow Lotus, making for a very sticky texture.

Cured flowers of Black Lotus give off a rich and musky scent with traces of incense. A closer inspection may also sniff out some fruity, plum-like notes. Grinding up Black Lotus’ solid flowers, meanwhile, gives off more of a sharp, peppery odor, possibly due to the Afghani landrace in the strain’s genetics. When burnt, Black Lotus gives off a rich-tasting but surprisingly light and palatable smoke. On the exhale, this smoke has a deeply fruity flavor.

Surprisingly, given its mostly indica background, Black Lotus has a fast onset, striking smokers with a headrush before they’ve even had a chance to exhale. This high initially manifests as a concerted pressure around the eyes and cheekbones; some consumers also report an increase in salivation. Eventually, these sensations give way to a kind of cerebral awareness in which thoughts may occur to the user with a higher frequency and greater intensity. Certain ideas (or even inanimate objects) that might not otherwise hold interest can suddenly become absorbing; similarly, smokers may stumble across conceptual connections between seemingly unrelated things. In the right circumstances, this uptick in thinking can boost productivity on everything from analytical tasks to open-ended brainstorms. For some, Black Lotus’ mental stimulation can also take the form of sensory changes like a flattening of visual depth perception or a feeling of time moving more slowly.

As this high wears on, its effects become decidedly more physical. Users may feel a sudden relief from any troubling muscular tension. They may also be able to breathe more deeply and easily. With more time (or an increased dosage), this subtle relaxation can progress into immobilization, pinning smokers in place and undoing some of their earlier motivation or focus. As this point, Black Lotus is best suited to some hardcore lounging in the comforts of home. Because of its gradual decline in energy, Black Lotus is recommended for afternoon through early evening relaxation.

Black Lotus’ versatile properties can also be useful for medical cannabis patients. Its early tendency toward focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to work on one task at a time. Its generally uplifted mood may temporarily dull the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Physically speaking, Black Lotus can be a good pain reliever, whether patients are suffering from minor inflammation or chronic, disease-related pain. This bud’s sedation can even help insomniacs to get a good night’s sleep. Because it comes with some risk of mindrace and paranoia, Black Lotus is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Those looking to grow Black Lotus at home can obtain seeds of the strain online. Plants can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success calls for a humid climate with consistent daytime sunlight and temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These crops have a busy, indica-inflected stature and are easily accommodated indoors. Gardeners may occasionally need to “top” their plants by trimming away any broad, light-blocking fan leaves. Black Lotus flowers within about 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

An aromatic, potent strain with a one-two punch of effects, Black Lotus is worth sampling by both indica and sativa lovers.